Fundamentals Of Bull Selection

Abstract

Bull selection is a critically important decision, as bulls contribute to genetics of the farm well beyond their lifetime. Irrespective of the method of breeding (natural service or artificial insemination), a sire will produce more calves in his lifetime compared to a cow. In addition, the genetic make-up of each calf is 50% from the calf’s sire, and of the 50% from the dam, half of that is from her sire and one quarter from her grandsire, etc. Thus, a calf's genetics is derived from several generations of bulls. This paper discusses important criteria and provides guidelines for successful bull selection.